The joys and differences between US/CAN spelling...

[Sam and Ben 2]

So, ever since having started this little journey, I've found myself analyzing everything. Every habit, every mannerism, hell, even my drinking habits... to see what would and wouldn't work once I crossed over...

The kicker, of course, is my spelling and grammar. First off, avid reader and all that jazz... spelling has always been a big deal to me. I can't sit still if a word looks misspelled, and a dictionary must be found to verify, no matter what the circumstances. So now, I find myself in an awful fit of confusion whenever I'm typing.

color, colour, favorite, favourite

Gah!

I mean, of course, dear spell-checkers don't recognize our good ol' Canadian way regardless, and I'm quite used to seeing those dreaded red lines beneath every instance of Canadian/British/whathaveyou spelling... But now, it feels wrong too. Both ways! Throwing a 'u' into so many common words is something I feel I should get out of the habit of... yet taking it out rubs me like nails on a chalkboard.

I swear, my greatest identity crisis in all of this will be my spelling!

Just a random rant for the day, heh.

On a slightly unrelated note, I really should curb the "eh" addition to each sentence... I don't think they'll take that so kindly in FL.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Just one of the many hurdles to jump! In a lot of ways I've always used American spellings. It used to get me in trouble in highschool, but once I got to university nobody cared... probably because a lot of my professors were Americans. I just feel like the U's are strange and unnecessary, but I'll always want to put "re" instead of "er" on a lot of words. And the Eh? That will never go away! My soon to be in laws laugh so hard whenever I say it, its actually pretty amusing. Edited June 5, 2009 by Hugglebuggles

[Sprailenes 47]

I can't NOT say "eh" it just works so well at the end of certain sentences.

And the one word I can't get over is 'check' which I always saw as 'cheque'.

I need to go check on my cheque.

Not check on my check.

check it.

[RYCK 0]

I am so glad i don't say "EH" ....

[Emancipation 2]

Just one of the many hurdles to jump! In a lot of ways I've always used American spellings. It used to get me in trouble in highschool, but once I got to university nobody cared... probably because a lot of my professors were Americans. I just feel like the U's are strange and unnecessary, but I'll always want to put "re" instead of "er" on a lot of words.

Are you channeling Warlord today??

[Sam and Ben 2]

I can't NOT say "eh" it just works so well at the end of certain sentences.

And the one word I can't get over is 'check' which I always saw as 'cheque'.

I need to go check on my cheque.

Not check on my check.

check it.

Oh, I know! We were chatting about money while playing online, and I mentioned having cashed a cheque earlier on... and he stopped me and questioned as to what on earth I was talking about, heh.

And I agree, "eh" just flows so well at the end of so many phrases... It's maddening.

[Kimbear 53]

I can see myself getting rid of the u in colour etc..but check..just seem sooo alien to me..and they will never take away my EH!!!!

[scandal 951]

When you're in a restaurant and want to pay at the end of your meal, do you ask the waiter for your bill, or ask him for your check?

In Canada I always used to ask for the bill. Here I ask for the check.

[TimandJoyce 1]

I can't NOT say "eh" it just works so well at the end of certain sentences.

And the one word I can't get over is 'check' which I always saw as 'cheque'.

I need to go check on my cheque.

Not check on my check.

check it.

Yep...my money is in cheque!! Not check...LOL...

I am so glad i don't say "EH" ....

I admit that I do when I'm home...but it seems that when I'm down south, I hardly say it although Tim has heard it a few times...

Reminds me of a joke we heard..

Americans should say "B"

Because Canadians say "eh" and Mexicans say "si"......

[TimandJoyce 1]

When you're in a restaurant and want to pay at the end of your meal, do you ask the waiter for your bill, or ask him for your check?

In Canada I always used to ask for the bill. Here I ask for the check.

wow!! Never heard myself with this one..I really can't answer what I say! I'll have to listen to me more.

Spelling is one thing...but I'm sure most Canadian also get teased about out accent!! A few Americans can tell a Canadian just be what's being said.

In Hawaii, my friend and I were asked if we were Canadian, and I asked "how did you know?" she answered by saying...now get this..."You have Peter Jennings accent"!!! How funny!!

But other than "eh" there are other words that are spoken with a "Canadian" accent..

[JillA 2]

Just one of the many hurdles to jump! In a lot of ways I've always used American spellings. It used to get me in trouble in highschool, but once I got to university nobody cared... probably because a lot of my professors were Americans. I just feel like the U's are strange and unnecessary, but I'll always want to put "re" instead of "er" on a lot of words.

Are you channeling Warlord today??

I can't stop saying eh, it just works... I notice Americans say huh in lieu of where I would say eh

[trailmix 77]

I don't say eh and never have - and sometimes I use a u in words and sometimes I don't.

I don't think anyone would say that I have a Canadian 'accent' either.

[Arthur Roberta 1]

I completely understand what you are talking about. I find the American way of spelling almost lazy. Where letters are left out and z's are used prolifically, instead of an s.

Eventually you change to the American spelling as it is easier to give in than fight it.

Best Wishes

Arthur and Roberta

[scandal 951]

I completely understand what you are talking about. I find the American way of spelling almost lazy. Where letters are left out and z's are used prolifically, instead of an s.

Eventually you change to the American spelling as it is easier to give in than fight it.

Best Wishes

Arthur and Roberta

Hmmm.. the z/s distinction is where Canadian English parts ways with British English and sides with its southern cousins.

US: color Canada/UK: colour

US/Canada: realize UK: realise

Canada is a hybrid between the two cultures, not at all surprising given its history.

[amberL 0]

Washroom vs restroom, my hunnie says " I am going to the restroom." And I always reply "are you planning on taking a nap in there?"